Kobe Bryant

Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times

What happened: Lakers All-Star guard Kobe Bryant was caught on camera directing an anti-gay slur at referee Bernie Adams during an April 13 game against the Sacramento Kings. The apology: In a statement issued the next day, Bryant said: "What I said last night should not be taken literally. My actions were out of frustration during the heat of the game, period. The words expressed do not reflect my feelings towards the gay and lesbian communities and were not meant to offend anyone." The NBA also fined him $100,000.

What happened: Lakers All-Star guard Kobe Bryant was caught on camera directing an anti-gay slur at referee Bernie Adams during an April 13 game against the Sacramento Kings. The apology: In a statement issued the next day, Bryant said: "What I said last night should not be taken literally. My actions were out of frustration during the heat of the game, period. The words expressed do not reflect my feelings towards the gay and lesbian communities and were not meant to offend anyone." The NBA also fined him $100,000. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

What happened: Lakers All-Star guard Kobe Bryant was caught on camera directing an anti-gay slur at referee Bernie Adams during an April 13 game against the Sacramento Kings. The apology: In a statement issued the next day, Bryant said: "What I said last night should not be taken literally. My actions were out of frustration during the heat of the game, period. The words expressed do not reflect my feelings towards the gay and lesbian communities and were not meant to offend anyone." The NBA also fined him $100,000.